Residence Inn By Marriott Merrillville

Our suite was dated, but it was roomy and very clean, with a full kitchen stocked with pots, pans, dishes, and silverware. The staff were really friendly, and there were plenty of breakfast choices the next morning. I couldn’t get the thermostat to make the room comfortable, though. It stayed a bit cold no matter what I tried. I was very happy with my stay at the Residence Inn and would come back to this location.

A small kindness made a big impression: after rain overnight, someone had covered my driver’s-side window with plastic so my seat wouldn’t get wet. I don’t know who did it, but if it was a hotel employee, thank you. It’s gestures like that that bring people back. The third-floor suite was quiet, roomy, and about the same price as a regular room elsewhere. The firm mattress was really comfortable, and I woke up without back pain. I was also able to reach the post office, the local AAA office, Maxim's Greek Restaurant, and Fannie Mae's, all within about a mile. First time staying here, and the staff were friendly. I did have trouble warming the room: even at 90, it felt chilly, though turning off the fan seemed to help.

The staff were fantastic, but I won’t stay here again. My first room seemed fine until I found that the shower latch wouldn’t lift, so I couldn’t shower. They moved me to another room, where the shower water was cold and the heat wouldn’t go above 72, which was cold for me. When I went out to my vehicle and came back, the security latch had somehow locked me out. I spent about an hour outside in my pajamas before I could get in. The second room also smelled like cat litter.

The front desk staff were kind, friendly, and listened when I asked for a quiet room after a long drive. The area is quiet too, and the location is great. But this hotel badly needs a full renovation. The carpet is disgusting, the dining room chairs in the rooms are worn down, and it’s clearly very old. I usually choose Marriott because the beds are comfortable and the hotels are clean and fairly up to date. This one needs serious work, though it is in a nice, quiet area.